The PWHL continues to make headlines with exciting game action, major attendance milestones and impactful initiatives off the ice. From a special Pride celebration to a crowd that shattered attendance records, here’s six things you might’ve missed from around the league lately.
PWHL Sets New U.S. Attendance Record in Detroit
Courtesy of Ashley McLellan/PWHL
The ongoing Takeover Tour, which has seen the PWHL take on games all across Canada and the U.S., saw a record-breaking crowd of 14,228 fans to watch the New York Sirens take on the Minnesota Frost at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, March 16.
The game ended with the Sirens defeating the Frost 4-1 in an exciting turnout. The historic crowd set a new benchmark for PWHL attendance in the U.S., reinforcing the league’s rapid growth and increasing fan demand.
New York dominated the game, showcasing an explosive offensive performance while being able to handle Minnesota’s scoring threats. The Siren’s victory was highlighted by a standout multi-point game from both Sarah Fillier and Jessie Eldridge.
The success of the Takeover Tour in Detroit solidifies the city as an expansion contender, and further demonstrates the significant demand for professional women’s hockey across North America. The league will make their final stop of the tour in St. Louis on Saturday, March 29, where the Ottawa Charge will take on the Boston Fleet.
PWHL Unveils Pride Unity Logo and Celebration Plans
Courtesy of the PWHL
The PWHL has announced that they are proud to celebrate Pride with each team hosting their own Pride Unity game. As part of the celebrations, the league released a special edition Unity Game logo designed by Canadian queer and transgender artist Eli. The logo symbolizes the ongoing fight for equality within hockey and beyond, and commemorative shirts will be available for purchase at the venues of each game as well as online.
“Each Pride Unity Game, presented by e.l.f., will feature special programming, in-game tributes, and partnerships with local and national LGBTQ+ organizations,” the league stated, presenting the opportunity for each team to continue to host an inclusive environment for everyone.
The Pride game dates can be found below:
New York Sirens - March 22 (vs. Ottawa Charge)
Minnesota Frost - March 30 (vs. Toronto Sceptres)
Montréal Victoire - April 1 (vs. New York Sirens)
Boston Fleet - April 2 (vs. Montréal Victoire)
Ottawa Charge - April 26 (vs. Montréal Victoire)
Toronto Sceptres - April 29 (vs. New York Sirens)
Boston Fleet Victorious in Shootout Thriller Over the Montréal Victoire
Courtesy of Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
In an exciting showdown, the second place Boston Fleet battled to a 3-2 shootout victory over the first place Montréal Victoire on Tuesday, March 18, in what proved to be one of the most thrilling games of the season.
Both teams played a tight game, with neither side giving up much. Boston struck first in the opening period, but the Victoire responded quickly with two goals in the second while the Fleet scored one, leaving the game tied at two going into the third. The equalizer from the Victoire, scored by defender Anna Wilgren, forced extra time.
Ultimately, it was Boston Fleet forward Susanna Tapani who sealed the victory for her team, netting the game-winner in the sixth round of the shootout to secure the extra point in the standings. The first win of the season for goaltender Emma Söderbeg gave Boston the crucial boost they needed to continue their playoff push, while Montréal will need to regroup before their game against the Toronto Sceptres on Sunday, especially with Desbiens now sidelined with an injury.
New York Sirens Goaltender Shake-Up
Courtesy of the PWHL
Montréal Victoire’s Ann-Renée Desbiens, one of the league’s top goaltenders, suffered an injury in the second period of the Takeover Tour game in Detroit against the Boston Fleet on Tuesday. She was pulled from the game with an undisclosed injury, which left the team with a crucial gap in net. The extent and timeline on her return have not been shared, but her absence will undoubtedly test the Victoire.
New York Signs Olivia Knowles
Courtesy of Olivia Knowles via Instagram
With injuries piling up on the Sirens blueline and uncertainty around Maja Nylén Persson and Ella Shelton, the team made the decision to sign defender Olivia Knowles to a 10-day Standard Player Agreement.
Most recently on the Sirens’ reserve roster, Knowles has played 10 games with the team this season, after making her PWHL debut with the Toronto Sceptres in the inaugural season. The Sirens are positive she will be able to step back into her role in the defensive end of the ice as they continue to manage injuries with just over a month left in the regular season.
Expansion Decisions On the Horizon
Courtesy of David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP
The buzz around PWHL expansion is picking up pace as the league confirms that announcements regarding two new franchises will be made within the next 4-6 weeks.
Speculation continues to swirl surrounding which cities could land expansion teams, with potential contenders including Detroit, Vancouver, Seattle, Denver and Edmonton. The addition of new teams would mark a major milestone in the league’s progress, allowing for greater competition and increased opportunities for players, management and fan opportunities.
As momentum continues to build, we’re left eagerly waiting for the official announcement that will shape the future of the league.
Edited by Jenna Mandarano
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